Propulsion device



y 8, 1965 A. P. SFREDDA 3,183,663

PROPULS ION DEVICE Filed Feb. 5, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. ALBEIQTR JFRDM rm/m5) A. P. SFREDDA PROPULSION DEVICE May 18, 1965 Filed Feb.5, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 4155 P. smmm BY Vw May 18, 1965 A. P. SFREDDAPROPULSION DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 5, 1962 II/ I I I ///I IINVENTOR. 413.587 ff .Sl-k'flDA BY W /4 M ATTOK x United States Patent3,183,663 PROPULSION DEVICE Albert P. Sfredda, Bethlehem, Pa, assignorof fifty percent to George W. Downs, Norristown, Pa. Filed Feb. 5, 1962,Ser. No. 171,215 6 Claims. (Cl. 60-35.5)

This invention relates generally to a propulsion device for vehicles,and is especially concerned with a propulsion device generally of thefluid-reaction type.

While the propulsion system or device of the present invention has beenprimarily developed for marine use, and will be illustrated anddescribed hereinafter, it is appreciated that the structure of theinstant invention is equally well suited for use in a variety ofapplications,

such as in air or land vehicles, all of which applications are intendedto be .comprehended herein.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, it is ageneral object thereof to provide a propulsion device of the typedescribed which is extremely simple in construction and operation,entirely reliable and durable throughout a long useful life, and whichcan be manufactured, installed and maintained at reasonable cost.

Itis a more particular object of the present invention to provide areaction-type propulsion device having the advantageous characteristicsmentioned in the preceding paragraph, wherein the orientation of thrustis readily controflable for easy and quickly responsive dirigibility ofa propelled vehicle, or the like.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon readingthe following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings,which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction,combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which thescope which will be indicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational View, partly broken away, showing apropulsion device of the present inven tion incorporated in a marinevehicle;

FIGURE 2 is a generally horizontal, sectional view taken substantiallyalong the line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view taken substantially along the line3-3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a partial horizontal sectional view taken substantiallyalong the line 4-4 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a partial sectional View taken substantially along the line5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along theline 66 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a top plan view, partly broken away, showing anotherslightly modified propulsion device constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 88 ofFIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a horizontal sectional view showing still a furtherembodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 10-10of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a partial plan view showing a marine vehicle or boatincorporating a pair of propulsion devices in accordance with theteachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 12 is a horizontal sectional view similar to FIGURE 2, ,butshowing a further embodiment of the instant invention; and

FIGURE 13 is a sectional elevational view taken substantially along theline 13-13 of FIGURE 12.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to theembodiment of FIGURES 16, a marine "ice vehicle or :boat is generallydesignated in FIGURES 1-3, and includes a body or hull 21 which may havea conventional how 22 and mid-section 23, while the stern 24 isspecifically adapted to carry the propulsion device of the presentinvention, generally designated 25.

The stern 24 of the body 23 may have its underside recessed upward, asat 26, which recess may open rearward of the hull. Interiorly of thehull stern 24, above the recess 26, may be provided a chamber 28 havinga generally horizontal lower or bottom wall 29, a generally horizontalupper or top wall 30 spaced above the lower wall, an upstandinggenerally circular front wall 31 extending between the lower and upperwalls along the forward edges thereof, and a pair of generallyupstanding side walls 32 each extending rearward from a respective endof front wall 31, vertically between the lower and upper walls andterminating at the rear end or transom 33 of the hull 21. Thus, thechamber 28 is generally horizontal, and opens rearwardly through thehull transom 33.

As best seen in FIGURE 2, the chamber side walls 32 may diverge fromeach other in the rearward direction. Further, as seen in FIGURE 1, thelower chamber wall 29 may be formed with a through opening or hole 35approximately concentric with the semi-circular forward chamber wall 31opening into the nether recess 26. Just behind the lower-wall opening35, there may be provided a diverter blade or scoop 36 depending fromthe bottom wall 29 and extending laterally across the recess 26 todeflect sea water upward toward the hole 35 when the boat is underforward movement.

The propulsion device 25 includes a drive motor or engine 49, which maybe mounted on the upper side of upper chamber wall 35, exteriorly of thechamber 28. A drive shaft 41 depends vertically from the drive means 40into the chamber 23, substantially concentric with the forward chamberwall 31, so as to be in substantial vertical alignment with thebottom-wall opening 35. The drive shaft 41 is axially rotated by themotor or engine 49, which may be of any suitable construction.

The lower end of drive shaft 41 terminates within the chamber 28 andcarries a conduit structure, generally designated 45. The conduitstructure 45 of the illustrated embodiment may be formed of a rightangularly bent pipe having a generally horizontal region 46 connected bya bend 47 to a generally vertical region 48. The conduit structure 45may have its bent region 47 fixedly secured, as by welding or otherwise,to the lower end of shaft 41, so that the vertical conduit region 48extends in substantial alignment with the shaft and the horizontalconduit region 4 6 extends generally normal to the shaft. As best seenin FIGURES 1 and 3, the vertical conduit region may depend through thelower chamber-wall opening 35, having its lower end open for receivingcommunication with sea water diverted upward by the scoop 36. Thehorizontal conduit region 46 may be provided adjacent its outer end witha valve mechanism 59 for selectively opening and closing the conduitmeans. The vertical conduit region 48 is thus axially rotatable with theshaft 41, and the horizontal conduit region 46 is angularly rotatableabout an axis normal thereto, namely that of the shaft 41 and conduitregion 48. As will appear more fully hereinafter, the vertical conduitregion 43 provides a fluid-feed conduit having an inlet at its lowerend, while the horizontal conduit region 46 defines a fluid-dischargeconduit having an outlet at its outer end.

A steering mechanism is generally designated 52 and includes a pulley orwheel 53 mounted on the shaft 41 for rotation independently thereof.That is, the pulley or wheel 53 may lie in a generally horizontal planeconcentrically circumposed about the shaft 41 and rotatable relative tothe latter. An operating cam 55 may be of generally annularconfiguration and spacedly circumposed about the drive shaft 41, beingfixedly secured to the wheel 53 by radial spokes or struts 56. In theillustrated embodiment, the annular cam 55 i disposed in a generallyhorizontal plane between that of the carrying wheel 53 and the dischargeconduit 46. The operating cam 55 is thereby rotatable with the wheel 53about the axis of and relative to the drive shaft 41. Internally-of theoperating cam 55 there may be provided a continuous cam surface 58 foroperating the valve mechanism 50, as will appear presently.

The valve mechanism 50 may be of any suitable type, a butterfly-valveelement 59 being shown for purposes of illustration as rotatably mountedin the discharge conduit 46 adjacent to the outer end thereof. The valveelement 59 may be mounted in the discharge conduit 46 for rotation abouta generally vertical axis, and be provided with an angulate extension orcrank 60 exteriorly of the discharge conduit and swingable with thevalve element. 011 the distal end of crank 60, there may be provided acam follower or roller 61 engageable with the cam surface 58. Suitablemeans may be provided to maintain the follower 61 in engagement with thecam surface 58, such as a resilient element or spring 62 operativelyconnected between the discharge conduit 46 and crank 66 to urge thelatter in one direction of its rotative movement relative to thedischarge conduit. Thus, as seen in FIGURE 6, the spring 62 urges thecam follower 61 counterclockwise, as indicated by the arrow 63, tomaintain the cam follower in rolling engagement with the cam surface 58.

As best seen in FIGURE .4, the cam surface 58 may advantageously haveone segment 65 generally semicircularly concentric about the shaft 41 ata relatively short radius, and another segment 66 also generallysemicircularly concentric about the drive shaft and of a larger radius.The adjacent ends of cam edge segments 65 and 66 are smoothly connectedtogether by compound curved portions 67. As may be observed in FIGURE 4,the cam follower 61 riding on the inner cam segment 65 maintains thevalve element 59 open, while engagement of the follower with the outercam segment 66 maintains the valve element closed, see the phantomposition in FIGURE 4.

The valve element 59 is thereby maintained open through a predeterminednumber of degrees of angular rotation of the discharge conduit 46, andmaintained closed through substantially the remainder ofdischargeconduit rotation. The angular location of the angle throughwhich the valve element 59 remains open may be controlled by rotation ofthe cam 55 to a selected position. This may be accomplished from thedrivers position by means of a control belt 70 engaged about the wheel53 and extending forward to a steering wheel '71, see FIGURE 1. Ofcourse, any suitable remote-control means may be employed to effectrotation of the cam 55 to its desired angular position.

For dynamic stability and minimizing vibration, a counter-weight 72 maybe carried by the shaft 41, at the lower end thereof and located indiametric opposition to the discharge conduit 46.

Operation, FIGURES 1-6 modification In operation, the drive motor 46 isstarted to effect rotation of the shaft 41 and conduit construction 45.With the lower end of feed conduit 48 engaged in sea Water, rotation ofthe discharge conduit 46 tends, by centrifugal force, to expel anycontained fluid through the outer end. This, in turn, draws sea waterupward from the feed conduit 48 to produce a flow of sea water throughthe conduit construction 45 as in the direction of arrows 75 and 76 inFIGURES 1 and 5. However, as the valve mechanism 50 is open only duringthe gen.- erally rearward movement of discharge conduit 46, and closedduring forward movement of the discharge conduit, fluid is dischargedonly generally rearward. Thus, the rearward discharge of fluid, as inthe direction of arrow 76, produces a forward reaction thrust to propelthe vessel 20.

Of course, rotation of the cam 55, say 45 degrees from itsillustratedposition, angularly shifts the direction of thrust approximately 45degrees to change the direction of boat travel.

While in the previously described embodiments, the conduit structure hasincluded only a single discharge conduit, it is understood that morethan one discharge conduit may be employed, if desired. For example, asshown in FIGURES 7 and 8, a conduit structure 451) may include agenerally horizontal, disclike conduit part having formed therein aplurality. of radially extending internal passageways 43b, each providedwith a suitable valve mechanism 50b. An inlet or feed conduit 4812depends vertically from the central region of the dischargeconduitstructure 43b and communicates interiorly there of with the radial innerends of the several passageways 43b.

Of course, operation of the multiple-discharge-conduit device of FIGURES7 and 8 is the same in principle as that of the previously describedembodiments; It is only essential that the several valve mechanisms 50boperate sequentially, as may be accomplished by employing a single cam,as in the first-described embodiment, for actuating the several camfollowers 61b.

In the embodiment of FIGURES 9 and 10, there is shown a conduitstructure illustrating that the discharge conduits or passageways may beof varying diameter. For example, a pair of diametrically oppositelyextending discharge conduits 46c communicate at their inner ends and areof decreasing diameter toward their outer or outlet ends. An inlet orfeed conduit 48c depends from the inner connected ends of the dischargeconduits 460 for communication with a source of fluid supply. Ifdesired, diameter variation along the discharge conduits may utilizeVenturi effect, or otherwise.

In the embodiment of FIGURE 11, there is illustrated a dual or multiplearrangement of propulsion devices 25d, each of which may employ thehereinbefore described advantageous features, and are arranged insideby-side relation in the stern of a marine vessel 20d. In such dualor multiple installation, it is advantageous that the propulsion devicesrotate in opposite directions, as indicated by the arrows 4&1, and inproperly timed relation to effect precision counterbalance of each otherFIGURES 12. and 13 show a further slightly modified embodiment of theinstant invention, wherein a marine vehicle or boat is' generallydesignated 20a and constructed in its stern region 24a to contain apropulsion device 25c constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthis invention. Interiorly within the stern region 242 may be provided achamber 28a having a generally horizontally lower or bottom wall 290spaced above the bottom of the hull, a generally horizontal upper or topwall 30.2 spaced above the lower wall, an upstanding generally arcuatefront wall He extending between the lower and upper walls along theforward edges thereof, and a pair of generally upstanding side walls 32ceach extending generally rearward from a respective end of the frontwall 51:: and vertically between the lower and upper walls to terminateat the rear end or transom 33a of the hull. The chamber 28a is thereforegenerally horizontal, and opens rearwardly through the hull transom.

The propulsion device 25e includes a drive motor or engine 40e, whichmay be mounted on the upper side of upper chamber wall 301:, exteriorlyof thexchamber 28e. A drive shaft 41e depends vertically from the drivemeans 40c, rotatably through the upper wall 30c into the chamber 28:: ata location spaced considerably rearward from the forward chamber wall31e. A conduit structure, generally designated 45e is carried on thelower end of the drive shaft Me, and is illustrated as a right angularlybent pipe having a generally horizontal region 46c connected by a bend47a to a generally vertical, depending region 48a. The conduit structure45a is fixed to the lower end of drive shaft 41c, having the dependingregion 482 generally coaxial with and extending from the lower end ofthe drive shaft, while the horizontal region 46a is generally normal tothe drive shaft. The outer ends of the conduit structure are open, andthe vertical region 48a depends rotatably through a hole 35a in thelower chamber wall 29c, and a registering or aligned hole '80 in thebottom of the hull. lf desired, a suitable seal may be employed toprevent leakage between the bounding edge of hole 80 and the exterior ofvertical conduit region 482.

A valve mechanism, generally designated 50c, is associated with theconduit structure 45a to close the outer end of conduit region 46cthrough a predetermined angle of its rotation. That is, the valvemechanism 501: obstructs the discharge or passage of fluid outward fromthe conduit region 46c, and employs for this purpose an arcuate,generally semicircular wall 90 substantially concentric with the alignedaxes of shaft 41c and depending conduit region 48a. The inner surface ofthe upstanding barrier or closure wall 90 has a radius of curvatureapproximately equal to the radius of movement of the outer end ofconduit region 462. Thus, the conduit region 462 is rotatable throughthe arc of barrier wall 90, one such position being shown indot-and-dash outline in FIGURE 12, there being just sufficient clearancebetween the barrier wall and horizontal conduit region to permitmovement of the latter, while the conduit wall effectively obstructs orcloses the outer end of the horizontal conduit region.

The arcuate conduit wall 0 is shown as being generally semicircular, butthe degree of are may be otherwise, if desired. Suitable support for thebarrier wall 90 may include a generally horizontal, substantially planarwall 91 at the lower edge of the barrier wall and having a centralenlargement 72 rotatably receiving the lower conduit region 48c. Ajournal bearing 73 is rotatably received in the opening 35a of lowerchamber wall 29c, rotatably receiving the depending conduit region 48c,and secured fast to the generally horizontal support or wall 91 of thevalve mechanism 50a, as by fastener 74.

A steering mechanism is generally designated 52a and may include apulley or toothed wheel 53:: axially circumposed about and keyed to thebearing 73, for fixed securement relative to the support 591 and barrierwall 90. A control means or chain 7% may be trained over the toothedwheel 53a to effect the desired angular positioning of barrier wall 90,an alternate position being shown in dashed outline in FIGURE 12.

Operation, FIGURES 12 and 13 modification The operation is similar tothat of the hereinbefore described embodiments, rotation of the conduitstructure 45a effecting induction of sea water upward through theconduit region 482 and discharge thereof outward through the horizontalconduit region 46c. Through a predetermined angle of conduit rotation,the conduit region 46a is closed by the barrier wall 90, the conduitregion being open throughout the remainder of conduit rotation. Thus,the barrier wall 90 effects obstruction of the conduit region 46c in amanner similar to the previously described butterfly valve. Dirigibilityof the vessel is achieved by angular positioning of the barrier wall 90,so that the rearward reaction jet is properly oriented to obtain thedesired directional movement.

The drive shaft 41a is advantageously provided with a counterweight 722,in the same manner as the previously described embodiments; and, vanesor baffles 37e may be employed in the chamber 28c, corresponding to thevanes or baffles 37a to counteract torque reaction.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides apropulsion device which fully accomplishes '6 its intended objects andis otherwise adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture,installation and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by wayof illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, itis understood that certain changes and modifications may be made withinthe spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. I

What is claimed is:

1. A propulsion device comprising a fluid-discharge conduit mounted torotate about a generally normal axis for centrifugally dischargingcontained fluid, a fluid-feed conduit connected with said dischargeconduit in the region of said axis for feeding fluid to said dischargeconduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for communication with afluid supply, and obstruction means for obstructing the discharge offluid from said discharge conduit through a predetermined angle ofdischarge-conduit rotation, to thereby control and direct the reactionthrust of the discharged fluid, said discharge conduit comprising aplurality of passageways extending generally radially from said axis,and said obstruction means comprising a valve in each of saidpassageways, and operating means for successively opening and closingsaid valves.

2. A propulsion device comprising a fluid-discharge conduit mounted torotate about a generally normal axis for centrifugally dischargingcontained fluid, a fluid-feed conduit connected with said dischargeconduit in the region of said axis for feeding fluid to said dischargeconduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for communication with afluid supply, means for obstructing the discharge of fluid from saiddischarge conduit through a predetermined angle of discharge-conduitrotation, an additional fluiddischarge conduit mounted to rotate about agenerally normal axis substantially parallel to said first-mentionedaxis of rotation, an additional fluid-feed conduit connected to saidadditional discharged conduit in the region of said second-mentionedaxis for feeding fluid to said additional discharge conduit, additionalmeans for obstructing the discharge of fluid from said additionaldischarge conduit through a predetermined angle of rotation, and meansconstraining said first-mentioned and additional discharge conduits torotation in timed relation.

3. In combination, a vehicle body, a fluid-discharge conduit mounted insaid body for rotation about an axis generally normal to the flow offluid in said discharge conduit, drive means in said body for rotatingsaid discharge conduit, a fluid-feed conduit communicating with saiddischarge conduit in the region of said axis for feeding fluid to saiddischarge conduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for communicationwith a fluid supply, a valve in said fluid-discharge conduit, a cammounted in said body, and a follower connected to said valve and movablewith said discharge conduit in operative relation with said cam foropening and closing the latter, to thereby control and direct thereaction thrust of the discharged fluid.

4. The combination according to claim 3, said cam being mounted in saidbody for rotation about the axis of said rotation of said dischargeconduit, to thereby angularly shift said predetermined angle of fluidobstruction.

5. In combination, a vehicle body, a fluid-discharge conduit mounted insaid body for rotation about an axis generally normal to the flow offluid in said discharge conduit, drive means in said body for rotatingsaid discharge conduit, a fluid-feed conduit communicating with saiddischarge conduit in the region of said axis for feeding fluid to saiddischarge conduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for communicationwith a fluid supply, a barrier wall located at one region along the pathof dischargeconduit rotation in obstructing relation with the dischargeend of said conduit, and rotary means mounting said barrier wall forselective angular positioning along the path of conduit rotation, tothereby control and direct reaction thrust of the discharged fluid.

r a 7 8 g 6. A propulsion device comprising a fluid-discharge ReferencesCited by the Examiner conduit mounted to rotate about a generally normalaxis UNITED STATES PATENTS for centrifugally discharging containedfluid, a fluid-feed 287 508 10/83 Didiot 103 10O conduit connected withsaid discharge conduit in the 1 185939 6/16 Reed 103 10O region of saidaxis for feeding fluid to said discharge 5 1:272:070 7/18 MacnicoliConduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for cornmuni- 1,661,986 3/28Yetta 103 10O cation with a fiuid supply, means for obstructing thedischarge of fluid from said discharge conduit through a pre- FOREIGNPATENTS determined angle of discharge-conduit rotation, and fluid-415,388 10 Fran eguide means located in the path of fluid discharge from10 h said fluid-discharge conduit, to counteract reaction torque JULIUSWEST P r 1mm y Exammer' and obtain additional thrust. EDGAR W.GEOGHEGAN, Examiner.

3. IN COMBINATION, A VEHICLE BODY, A FLUID-DISCHARGE CONDUIT MOUNTED INSAID BODY FOR ROTATION ABOUT AN AXIS GENERALLY NORMAL TO THE FLOW OFFLUID IN SAID DISCHARGE CONDUIT, DRIVE MEANS IN SAID BODY FOR ROTATINGSAID DISCHARGE CONDUIT, A FLUID-FEED CONDUIT COMMUNICATING WITH SAIDDISCHARGE CONDUIT IN THE REGION OF SAID AXIS FOR FEEDING FLUID TO SAIDDISCHARGE CONDUIT, SAID FEED CONDUIT HAVING AN INLET FOR COMMUNICATIONWITH A FLUID SUPPLY, A VALVE IN SAID FLUID-DISCHARGE CONDUIT, A CAMMOUNTED IN SAID BODY, AND A FOLLOWER CONNECTED TO SAID VALVE AND MOVABLEWITH SAID DISCHARGE CONDUIT IN OPERATIVE RELATION WITH SAID CAM FOROPENING AND CLOSING THE LATTER, TO THEREBY CONTROL AND DIRECT THEREACTION THRUST OF THE DISCHARGED FLUID.